Falling very badly behind in the Commonwealth race

The editorial Constructive criticism (Our Take, July 20) rightly pointed out that we are ill-prepared to host the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. With just a few months left for the Games and the deadlines ever so close, there will be a tendency to finish the work in a hurry. Collapsing stadiums, broken footpaths and incomplete subways are already making headlines. The Delhi government should realise that it is responsible not only for making the country proud but also for the safety of numerous athletes who will be visiting India.

Rajan Kalia, via email

When failure is built in

Fareed Zakaria in his article Dangerous liaisons (World View, July 20) intelligently analysed a series of US engagements with failed States such as Somalia. However, his argument for strengthening their governments does not hold water when it comes to rogue States like Pakistan where terrorists get support from the government. Engagement with such governments may not result in containing terror activities, which is evident from the US’s own admission of al-Qaeda being run from Pakistani soil. Bolstered by US support, Pakistan is fighting a fake war against terrorism, harming its own interests more than anybody else’s.

Gautam Morarka, Mumbai

Crying ‘sabotage’ too often

This has reference to the report Rly pins blame on drivers (July 20). It is shameful the way Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee cries sabotage for every railway mishap that takes place. In the recent train disaster at Birbhum, evidence suggests that it could not have been sabotage. She should have at least waited for the investigations to be over before making irresponsible statements. Banerjee’s favourite word ‘sabotage’ has been used frequently to cover up the lapses in her department. She should be more professional and not bring her turf war with the CPI(M) into all issues.